6 Reasons Seattle Is a Great City for Active Seniors

When Sue A. and her husband considered where to spend their retirement years, they chose Seattle to be closer to two of their children. That was more than 11 years ago. Today, they are fully immersed in Era Living’s Aljoya Thornton Place retirement community and their active Seattle lifestyle.

Like so many retirees, they’re enjoying the many opportunities that Seattle offers to stay involved and connected.

Location matters when deciding where to live. Here are six reasons why Seattle is a great city for active seniors.

1. Beautiful Outdoor Spaces to Explore in Seattle

The best thing about the Seattle area is the natural beauty,” Sue says. “Most of the year offers something blooming, and there are always evergreen trees and lots of parks to walk among them. There is also water,” she says, referencing the Puget Sound, lakes, and streams in the greater Seattle area. “All of this and museums, theaters, etc., just a train ride away.”

Aljoya Thornton Place, where Sue lives, is one of eight Era Living retirement communities in the greater Seattle area, each offering a unique, picturesque setting. One thing that makes Sue’s community stand out is its easy access to nature. It is located next to Thornton Creek, a natural watershed area adjacent to scenic trails and major walking paths.

For residents who wish to venture a little further, Seattle offers a vast array of other outdoor spaces to explore. Some of Sue’s favorites are Volunteer Park, the Seattle waterfront area (including Pike Place Market), and the Washington Park Arboretum (another of Seattle’s many public parks).

2. Transportation to Stay Connected Across the Seattle Area

One benefit for older adults in Seattle is the comprehensive transportation system, including bus routes and light rail (with special discounts for seniors). This can make it easier to stay active and independent.

In addition, many older adults can find conveniences like shopping and restaurants just steps from where they live.  For example, Sue enjoys walking from her community to the movie theatre and out for ice cream.

Participating in organized outings through Era Living can be another way to stay connected. “Aljoya takes groups on the bus, which is wonderful for those who have given up their cars,” Sue says. “Aljoya also offers outings to many places I would never have thought to visit, such as the Washington Talking Library.” 

3. Seattle’s Arts, Culture, and Entertainment

Older adults and people of all ages can get inspired by Seattle’s rich arts and culture scene. This includes many local galleries and museums such as the Seattle Art Museum (SAM), which is the largest fine art museum in the Pacific Northwest.

Music and entertainment lovers can enjoy performance venues such as the internationally acclaimed Seattle Symphony. Also, the Paramount Theatre remains a community favorite with its nostalgic décor, varied programming, and matinee shows.

Other destinations include the Seattle stadiums for sporting events and a year-round calendar of neighborhood festivals and community events.

Retirees can take advantage of different senior-friendly programs, such as the Age Friendly Seattle discount program and the Adults 50+ Calendar through the Seattle Public Library.

4. Lifelong Learning and Connection

For retirees seeking to learn a new subject or expand their knowledge, Seattle offers a university program that can put them back in the classroom! Through the UW ACCESS Program, Washington residents age 60 and older can audit (attend) up to two university courses per quarter on a space-available basis for a small fee. Era Living, which enjoys a longstanding partnership with the University of Washington, can help residents take advantage of this program and many other opportunities.

Within Era Living communities, residents can also enjoy rich activity calendars that make it easy to stay connected. This can include library programs, lectures, workshops, and arts and cultural programs.

5. Dining in Seattle’s Different Neighborhoods

“There are so many good restaurants in the area depending on what one wants to eat, starting with seafood and including many ethnic choices,” says Sue. One of her go-to places is within walking distance from her community. She also enjoys venturing out to favorite Italian and Thai restaurants.

Seattle’s dining scene covers diverse neighborhoods, such as downtown, Capitol Hill, and Ballard. From coffee shops to fine dining, there’s always something interesting to explore, whether seeking a luxury experience or something more relaxed.

6. Access to Healthcare and Wellness Resources

Having access to quality healthcare can take on added focus later in life, and Seattle excels in this area. Older adults can find major healthcare systems, medical services, and wellness resources in the region. They can also find innovative approaches to aging. For example, one initiative in Washington aims to expand community-based memory cafes, which provide social gatherings for people living with cognitive changes or dementia.

In addition, residents of Era Living communities can benefit from our partnerships with various University of Washington departments involved in researching healthy aging, brain health, and ways to create environments that better support older adults.

How Senior Living Can Make Staying Active Easier

With so many things to do in Seattle, it can be helpful to find a community that supports active living. That’s where retirement communities like Era Living’s can shine.

Having services like dining, home maintenance, and housekeeping provided through the community can free up more time to focus on the fun things. Plus, residents can enjoy meeting and spending time with others who share similar interests.

Find a Seattle-Area Community That Fits Your Lifestyle

If you’re considering a Seattle retirement living community, you don’t need to wait for a certain age to start exploring your options. Sue says she would suggest making the move while you’re still active. “We were in our mid-70’s,” she says.

As you begin your search, it can be helpful to start with some key questions about what matters most to you. This may include things like:

• • • Neighborhood preferences
    • Proximity to family
    • Transportation options
    • Favorite activities

Within Era Living, our senior communities fit into the following geographic locations:

• • • Northwest Seattle: Ida Culver House Broadview and University House Wallingford
    • Northeast Seattle: Aljoya Thornton Place and Ida Culver House Ravenna
    • South Seattle / Renton: The Lakeshore
    • Eastside: Aljoya Mercer Island, The Gardens at Town Square, and University House Issaquah

Learn More: Explore What’s Possible

In retirement, many older adults can find themselves contemplating the best place to live. For those seeking an active lifestyle, Seattle offers many ways to stay curious and connected.

Era Living’s range of communities throughout the Greater Seattle area can make it even easier to pursue new experiences, with welcoming senior housing options and services to support a variety of needs and interests. These include independent living, along with assisted living and memory care for older adults who need extra support.

If you’d like to learn more, we’d love to connect with you! Please contact us to talk with a team member or arrange a visit.